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Cognitive Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cognitive Studies information

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$23K

$55.7K

$83.5K

How much do cognitive studies jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive studies in the United States is $55,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Cognitive Science a high paying major?

Cognitive Science majors can pursue careers such as research, data analysis, or user experience design, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and specific roles. Entry-level positions often have moderate pay, but advanced roles in research or industry can offer higher salaries, especially with additional skills in programming or neuroscience.

What types of projects or research might a professional in Cognitive Studies typically work on within an organization?

Professionals in Cognitive Studies often engage in projects such as designing user experience (UX) research, developing cognitive assessments, or supporting the creation of educational materials based on how people learn and process information. They may also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including psychologists, data scientists, and software developers, to study human behavior and decision-making. These roles frequently involve collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments or interviews, and presenting findings to inform product development or organizational strategy.

What are some cognitive jobs?

Cognitive jobs involve applying mental skills such as problem-solving, analysis, and decision-making. Examples include cognitive scientist, neuropsychologist, data analyst, user experience researcher, and cognitive therapist. These roles often require strong critical thinking, research skills, and knowledge of psychology or neuroscience.

Is a PhD needed for Cognitive Science jobs?

A PhD is often required for research-focused roles in cognitive science, especially in academia or advanced research positions. However, some industry jobs in areas like data analysis, user experience, or applied cognitive science may only require a master's degree or relevant experience.

What can you do with a cognitive studies degree?

A cognitive studies degree prepares individuals for careers in research, human factors, user experience design, and psychology-related fields. Graduates can work as cognitive scientists, research analysts, usability specialists, or in roles that require understanding of human behavior and mental processes, often utilizing skills in data analysis, experimental design, and critical thinking.

What are cognitive studies?

Cognitive studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines how people think, learn, remember, and process information. It draws from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, and computer science to understand mental functions like perception, memory, language, and problem-solving. Professionals in this field may conduct research, develop educational programs, or work in technology sectors focused on artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cognitive Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Scientist, you need a strong background in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, MATLAB), and programming languages like Python are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help in designing studies and collaborating across disciplines. These competencies are crucial for advancing research, interpreting complex data, and contributing meaningful insights to the understanding of human cognition.

What is the difference between Cognitive Studies vs Cognitive Psychology?

AspectCognitive StudiesCognitive Psychology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Cognitive Science, Psychology, NeuroscienceBachelor's or Master's in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, tech companiesAcademic settings, research labs, clinical environments
Industry UsageInterdisciplinary, combining psychology, neuroscience, AIPrimarily psychological research and clinical applications
Common Search IntentUnderstanding cognitive processes, interdisciplinary careersStudying mental functions, therapy, diagnostics

While both fields focus on understanding mental processes, Cognitive Studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, often preparing students for diverse careers in research and technology. Cognitive Psychology is more focused on studying mental functions and applying this knowledge in clinical or experimental psychology settings.

More about Cognitive Studies jobs
Infographic showing various Cognitive Studies job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,661 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Junior Specialist

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Junior Specialist

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$26.35 - $93.30/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Salary range: The annual salary range for this position is $55,000 - $194,800. The hourly rate for this position is $26.35 - $93.30. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table Represented Exempt and Non-Exempt Salary Scale for the salary range for this position.
Application Window

Open date: July 10, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Aug 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jul 9, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, seeks a Junior Specialist for research in the Translational Cognitive and Affective (TCAN) Laboratory, which studies the neural mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in individuals with mental illness. This position is to serve a multi-faceted role as a study coordinator for several newly funded and ongoing grant-funded research projects under the direction of Dr. Cameron Carter. These ongoing grants include an investigation of inflammatory factors in the etiology of psychotic illness, MRI predictors of treatment response, the effect of brain stimulation on cognition and symptoms, and optimizing of cognitive tasks to better understand the impact of psychosis across diagnoses.

These projects utilize multiple cognitive neuroscience methodologies, including electrophysiology (EEG), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine high-level cognitive processing in both healthy adults and in individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. As such, this position will provide training and the opportunity to gain proficiency in a variety of cognitive neuroscience data collection techniques as well as clinical interviewing.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. Previous experience with programming, data collection, and processing, particularly with tDCS, EEG and/or MRI, is desirable for more technically oriented applicants. Clinical interviewing interest and experience is desirable for more clinically oriented applicants. The incumbent will join a large team of fellow research assistants involved in coordinating these projects and will coordinate a variety aspects of the research study, in collaboration with the team.

This position is offered at a 100%-time appointment for one year with the potential to renew annually.

Salaries are based on University of California salary scales, which are dependent on academic rank and step, and commensurate with experience.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should apply through UC Irvine's RECRUIT system located at https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10236

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Required: 1) Bachelor's or Master's degree in psychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, or related field, 2) Excellent oral and written communication skills, 3) Fluency in English for reading research protocols, documenting data into charts, and communicating with research participants, 4) Exceptional record-keeping, organizational, and time-management skills and ability to multi-task, 5) Ability to build and maintain rapport with research participants, colleagues, and international collaborators.

* Junior Specialists - Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience.

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10236
About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Irvine, CA

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